Ohio State vs Georgia bold predictions: 5 hot takes for the 2022 Peach Bowl

Georgia vs Ohio State, Peach Bowl bold prediction No. 2: Stetson Bennett IV accounts for 3 TDs, C.J. Stroud has as many turnovers

As mentioned, the two quarterbacks starting in the Peach Bowl were also in New York City for the Heisman Trophy ceremony as finalists in the first weekend of December. But in terms of talent, most people would agree that Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, likely one of the Top 10 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, is a head above former walk-on Stetson Bennett IV for Georgia.

Despite that, we should see both players find some success in this game. Given the prediction for Marvin Harrison Jr., Stroud will help the Buckeyes find the end zone at least twice. But I also see Bennett making his presence felt as he takes advantage of when a sometimes-questionable secondary gives him shots and when he can take off and run, turning those opportunities into three touchdowns or more.

What could be a deciding factor in this game, however, is I see Stroud making more mistakes. Stroud is terrific when everything is on schedule but has struggled when things break down under pressure or when the coverage is great, hence why he threw two picks against Michigan. Georgia can do that routinely and it will result in some poor decisions and a total of three turnovers for the future first-round pick.

Georgia vs Ohio State, Peach Bowl bold prediction No. 1: Dawgs roll with 20+ point win over Buckeyes

On paper, it makes sense as to why college football fans are excited for this game and why there is hope for an Ohio State bounce-back after the loss to Michigan. Their talent is undeniable and they should, in theory, be able to get after Georgia.

However, the reality of the situation is that the Dawgs have the ability to do exactly what Michigan did to the Buckeyes. They have an offensive line that, overall, will push around the OSU front seven, eventually leading to big plays that could decide the game. Moreover, their defensive physicality will wear on Ryan Day’s team in the same manner that the Wolverines’ did.

Most importantly, though, Georgia has shown at every possible turn that they have a switch to flip unlike any team in the country. Whenever the lights are bright, they turn it up and deliver like they did against Oregon, Tennessee and LSU, their three biggest games of the year. I don’t see any different outcome for the Peach Bowl as they pull away in the second half much like Michigan to oust Ohio State with a victory by 20 or more points.

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